Are you craving the comforting taste of Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf? Now you can enjoy that same delicious flavor right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe. Packed with juicy ground beef, diced tomatoes, and a flavorful topping, this meatloaf is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with onion and green pepper, drained
- ½ green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Directions:
- Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, drained tomatoes, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, beaten eggs, milk, and black pepper. Fold in the crushed crackers.
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, and mustard to create the topping. Spread this mixture over the partially baked meatloaf.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Spray 2 mini loaf pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, drained tomatoes, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, beaten eggs, milk, and black pepper. Fold in the crushed crackers.
- Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly between the prepared mini loaf pans. Place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, and mustard to create the topping. Spread this mixture over the partially cooked meatloaf.
- Return the mini loaf pans to the air fryer and continue to air fry for an additional 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove from the air fryer and let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes (oven) / 37 minutes (air fryer)
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (oven) / 42 minutes (air fryer)
Servings: 6
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Slice the meatloaf and serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Freezing: You can also freeze leftover meatloaf for longer storage. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations:
- Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Meatloaf: Use cooked lentils, quinoa, or a combination of beans and vegetables as a meat substitute.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Add a layer of shredded cheese or cheese slices in the middle of the meatloaf for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
- BBQ Glazed Meatloaf: Brush the meatloaf with your favorite barbecue sauce before baking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Italian Meatloaf: Add Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Mushroom Gravy: Serve the meatloaf with a creamy mushroom gravy instead of the traditional ketchup topping.
- Spicy Meatloaf: Mix chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers into the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Meatloaf Sandwich: Slice leftover meatloaf and serve it between two slices of bread with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a tasty sandwich.
- Meatloaf Meatballs: Roll the meatloaf mixture into balls and bake them in the oven until cooked through. Serve as appetizers with dipping sauce.
- Greek-Inspired Meatloaf: Add feta cheese, spinach, and Greek seasoning to the meat mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
- Tex-Mex Meatloaf: Incorporate diced green chilies, corn kernels, and taco seasoning into the meat mixture. Top the meatloaf with salsa and shredded cheese before baking for a Southwestern twist.
- Honey Glazed Meatloaf: Brush the meatloaf with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard before baking for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Mediterranean Meatloaf: Mix in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese into the meat mixture. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce and roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean flair.
- Asian-Inspired Meatloaf: Add minced ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to the meat mixture. Top with a sesame-ginger glaze made with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef and mix in buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and diced celery into the meat mixture. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- French Onion Meatloaf: Mix in caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, and fresh thyme into the meat mixture. Top the meatloaf with additional caramelized onions and a sprinkle of cheese before baking for a rich and savory flavor.
- Caprese Meatloaf: Layer slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and tomato slices in the middle of the meatloaf before baking. Top with chopped basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a flavorful twist on the classic Caprese salad.
FAQs:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that ground turkey tends to be leaner, so the meatloaf may be slightly less moist.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs or crackers in the meatloaf mixture.
- How do I know when the meatloaf is done cooking?
- The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F when fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Can I make mini meatloaves instead of one large loaf?
- Absolutely! You can divide the meatloaf mixture into individual portions and shape them into mini loaves or muffin tin-sized portions for individual servings.
- Can I use different vegetables in the meatloaf?
- Yes, feel free to customize the vegetable mixture based on your preferences. Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms all work well in meatloaf.
- What can I use instead of ketchup for the topping?
- If you’re not a fan of ketchup, you can use barbecue sauce, marinara sauce, or a mixture of tomato sauce and brown sugar for the topping.
- Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just remember to add the topping before baking.
- How do I prevent the meatloaf from being too dry?
- Adding milk and eggs to the meat mixture helps keep the meatloaf moist. You can also avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can lead to a denser texture.
- Can I freeze the meatloaf before baking?
- Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and freeze it before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the recipe instructions.
- What sides go well with meatloaf?
- Meatloaf pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, macaroni and cheese, or a simple side salad.
Now, you can enjoy the homely taste of Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf anytime you want, with this simple and flavorful recipe.